Aften Veloy Richens, age 89, of Myton, returned to his Heavenly Father on December 7, 2003, due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
He was born May 30 1914, in Arcadia, to Thomas Henry and Arthema Mott Richens, the 7th child in a family of 14. He left home at an early age to work for the farmer neighbors, usually for about 50 cents a day, and his board and room, sometimes not receiving cash agreed upon because the employer was too poor to pay his wages. He learned to do every kind of farm work there was to do. A few things were very important to him; work, work, work, dancing, and horses.
On July 29, 2938, he married Celin Cope in Arcadia. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple in January of 1939. They settled on a farm on South Myton Bench where they have lived together for 65 years and raised 5 children.
Aften's employment besides his beloved farm was a 27 year term with the Bureau of Indian affairs as water master, retiring in 1979.
He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Myton 2nd ward in the office of High Priest. He has served with his wife for two years as Roosevelt Stake Dry Pack Canning directors. Together they served two LDS Missions, one in Tonga, Nuku'alofa Mission and one in the Arizona Phoenix Mission. Later they served as workers in the Vernal Utah Temple. The best that can be said of him is that his long life was devoted to his fellow man and to his wonderful family.
Aften is survived by his wife, Celia, Myton; children, Sherril (Burnell) Rich, Vernal; Newell (Adelia) Richens, Reed (Katherine) Richens, Ken (Barbara) Richens, Mary (Joe) Perkins, all of Myton; 27 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, and a sister, Thelma McKenna Roosevelt.
He was preceded in death by an infant son, 2 grandsons, Kenny Rob Richens and Tony Demar Richens, 1 great grandson, Steven Burnell Rich, 11 brothers and 1 sister.
Funeral services held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 13, 2002, at the Myton LDS Chapel.
Interment in the Myton Cemetery under the direction of the Hullinger Mortuary.